Megan Cooper - Assistant at Dartmouth Library
What’s it like being a librarian?
Very satisfying. We get to help so many people who walk through the doors each day. It’s a place for young and old to meet and socialise. Gone are the days when visitors were expected to be quiet and librarians spent their time shushing everyone! It’s a very positive place to work.
What are your first jobs when you start work?
I’m usually in by 9.30am. The first tasks are to find and send off books other libraries have requested and sort the ones our readers have requested from elsewhere. We have a little back room where we make tea and coffee which is a good start to the working day.
Apart from book lending, what other services do you offer?
Computer access, scanning, faxing and photocopying. There’s also a job club, author events, various children’s activities and four reading groups.
How many of you work here?
Four - we are all ladies and very approachable, not scary or too serious! We enjoy helping people choose their next book and are happy to help with the self-service kiosks. We offer a friendly and understanding service - if someone has racked up a fine in the past we don’t hold a grudge!
Do you have a specific role?
Yes, I deal with the children’s section. It’s a lovely bright corner of the library. I organise themed craft workshops, so little ones can create things like mini scarecrows to take home. We also run a Lego club, make school visits and lead a bounce and rhyme session. I always keep crayons in the children’s section so they can get arty and colour something during a visit - handy if their siblings are taking longer to choose their books. Then we use the pictures to decorate the library.
Do you set reading challenges?
Yes, we have a couple throughout the year. I really enjoyed the summer one which was based on Roald Dahl. Children had to read six books to earn special cards and a certificate and medal at the end. We had lots of Roald Dahl pictures up around the children’s section.
What is it like working with children each day?
I really like it. I have a four-year-old boy so I am used to little ones! I think it’s so important to get a love of literature early. The younger ones don’t have to understand about the words - just turning pages and looking at the pictures while someone runs their fingers along the writing is a great start. It’s about basic steps and keeping it light and fun.
Do you live in Dartmouth?
No, Totnes. I love the scenery on the drive in and don’t think of it as a commute at all. I used to live just outside Cambridge and my drive in took an hour and a half each way. There were times when I was just sat in my car staring out the window at other cars and rows of houses. This drive to work is a dream!
First published By The Dart magazine December 2016
